In Israel election, Palestinian citizens weigh fear against disillusionment

Laila Atamneh, 19, will vote for the first time in Israel’s October 27 election. From Beit Hanina in occupied East Jerusalem, she says she wants to give a voice to Palestinians in the occupied West Bank and Gaza, who cannot vote but, in her view, bear the consequences of Israel’s government. She also feels excluded from the election debate, struggles to follow its coverage in Hebrew, and says parties rarely address young Palestinian voters. Her mixed feelings reflect the broader mood among Palestinian citizens of Israel, who make up about one-fifth of the population.